International Association of Transportation Regulators

Daily Transportation News

Editorial and legal note: This briefing is provided for general information and professional awareness. It summarizes publicly available materials from government agencies, legislatures, transportation providers, companies, and news organizations. Inclusion does not constitute IATR endorsement, legal advice, a finding of fact, or a recommendation that any regulator adopt a particular policy. Readers should consult the original source and applicable law before relying on any item for regulatory, procurement, enforcement, or operational decisions. “Why it matters” boxes are editorial analysis. Proposals, studies and implementation guidance are identified separately.

Special Feature | A Conversation With John Rossant
Founder and CEO, CoMotion

Interview | Mobility, Regulation & LA’s Future

Building LA’s Mobility Legacy

Matthew W. Daus, IATR President, interviews John Rossant, Founder and CEO of CoMotion.

Matthew W. Daus

IATR President

INTERVIEWER

John Rossant

Founder and CEO,
CoMotion

IN CONVERSATION

From public–private collaboration and LA28 to AI, autonomy and a lasting transit legacy, this conversation explores what cities and mobility innovators can accomplish together.

QUESTION 1

What drew you to mobility, and what gave you the hunch this event needed to happen?

JOHN ROSSANT | INTERVIEW RESPONSE

For years I ran the team that produced the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos. The great lesson of Davos is that the hardest problems are solved only when public and private sector leaders along with stakeholders from civil society sit at the same table, speak candidly, and get to know each other as people. When I looked at urban mobility around 2016, it was clear that it needed exactly that format, maybe more than any other sector. Mobility almost always happens in the public right of way: on streets, sidewalks and curbs that cities own and manage. It’s also inevitably a regulated activity, as Matt Daus is more aware than anybody. You can’t scale a scooter service, a robotaxi fleet or a new transit line without the city at the table. Yet innovators and regulators were barely talking, and when they did it was often in confrontation. So we built CoMotion around a simple principle: roughly half the participants are innovators, founders, investors and companies, and the other half are public officials from cities, states and national governments. That balance is what makes CoMotion different, and it’s why the conversations that start there tend to turn into real projects and partnerships.

WINDELS MARX PERSPECTIVE

Innovation needs workable rules. Windels Marx’s Transportation Practice has documented its work advising regulators on emerging technology and transportation systems—a practical connection to Rossant’s call for cities and innovators to share the same table.

Explore the work →

QUESTION 2

How can LA use the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a launchpad for mobility long after the Games?

JOHN ROSSANT | INTERVIEW RESPONSE

I’m absolutely convinced that LA28 will be one of the most consequential events in the history of Los Angeles, with an impact that lasts long after the closing ceremony on July 30, 2028. What makes these Games unique is the timing. The Games arrive just as transformational mobility technologies, above all robotaxis, are beginning to scale seriously, and just as Los Angeles is finally building out public transit in a sustained way. Look at the past year and a half: the LAX/Metro Transit Center giving the airport the promise of its first rail connection, the A Line extended to Pomona, and the first section of the D Line subway under Wilshire. The Games give the region a hard deadline, and deadlines are what make big projects happen. The real legacy shouldn’t be temporary bus lanes and shuttles that vanish in August 2028. It should be permanent: a faster way of approving and building infrastructure, a transit network people actually rely on, curbs managed for shared and autonomous vehicles, and a culture of cooperation between the city and private operators. If LA gets that right, the Olympics will be remembered as the moment the car capital of the world proved it could change.

UTRC RESEARCH

Mega-event access begins before opening day. UTRC’s Three Mobility Wishes for the Mayor of New York City compiles stakeholder recommendations, including investment in World Cup transportation and clear visitor information. The LA connection: use a major event to improve coordination, wayfinding and everyday access—not just temporary capacity.

Explore the work →

QUESTION 3

Which developments are closest to delivering meaningful change, and what is overhyped?

JOHN ROSSANT | INTERVIEW RESPONSE

Autonomy and electrification aren’t promises anymore; they’re happening. Robotaxis are carrying paying passengers all around Los Angeles and a growing number of cities, and autonomous trucking is moving onto real freight corridors. Electric vehicles have taken a hit in the US because of the current administration’s aversion to the technology, including the end of federal tax credits. But the direction of travel is clear: the rest of the world is going electric, battery costs keep falling, and electric will inevitably be the future here in the U.S. too. As for AI, I honestly think it’s hard to overhype. It’s sweeping across the entire transportation industry: retiming traffic signals, redesigning bus networks, routing fleets in real time, and acting as the brain of every autonomous vehicle. Its impact on city transportation departments could be enormous. Where expectations have somewhat outrun reality is alternative fuels: hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel and various e-fuels. They’ve been much slower to gain traction than their advocates hoped, mostly because of cost and infrastructure. But we’ll need them in the long run, especially for aviation, shipping and heavy industry, where batteries won’t do the job. So I wouldn’t call them overhyped so much as running on a longer timeline.

IATR INSIGHT

From deployment to accountable service. IATR’s Best Practices, Guiding Principles & Model Regulations for Robotaxis provides a reference point for the regulatory questions raised by autonomous passenger services. The connection to this conversation: innovation and public-interest oversight need to advance together.

Read IATR’s Robotaxi Report →

QUESTION 4

What is CoMotion NXT, and why is it important to attend?

JOHN ROSSANT | INTERVIEW RESPONSE

CoMotion NXT, on November 17 in Long Beach, the day before CoMotion LA, puts a spotlight on the sectors right next to our core focus on mobility: aerospace, space, defense and dual-use technology, and advanced manufacturing. Increasingly we see these worlds overlapping. The same technologies in autonomy, batteries, sensors and AI-driven manufacturing are reshaping how we move on the ground, in the air and in orbit. Long Beach has become one of the most dynamic hubs in the country for this kind of innovation, thanks in large part to the policies of our friend and partner Mayor Rex Richardson. In just the past few years the city has become home to Rocket Lab’s headquarters, JetZero building its blended-wing aircraft at Long Beach Airport, Ampaire’s hybrid-electric aviation work, Divergent’s new advanced-manufacturing factory, and a cluster of fast-growing space and defense companies. NXT is an invitation-only gathering where the founders, investors and public leaders driving this transformation meet. For anyone who wants to understand where the next wave of American industrial innovation is coming from, and how cities can attract it, you’ll want to be at CoMotion NXT.

CoMotion LA returns November 18-19. Join us there.

QUESTION 5

Ten years from now, what does success look like for mobility in LA, and what should other US cities learn from it?

JOHN ROSSANT | INTERVIEW RESPONSE

Success in 2036 would mean that, for the first time, most Angelenos can live well without owning a car if they choose. That means a real backbone of frequent, reliable transit; shared and autonomous vehicles filling in the gaps and solving the first and last mile; streets and curbs redesigned and priced intelligently for this new mix; and much safer streets, with traffic deaths falling sharply. It would also mean the Olympic legacy is real: projects we committed to for 2028 delivered faster and more cheaply than Americans have come to expect. The lessons for other US cities follow from that. First, voters will fund transformation if you show them a credible plan; Measure M passed with more than 71% of the vote in the city that invented car culture. Second, deadlines and big events can break bureaucratic gridlock, so use them. Third, cities need smart regulatory frameworks that protect the public interest while letting innovators move quickly. And finally, we have to relearn how to build big infrastructure in America, quickly and affordably. If Los Angeles can do it, any city can.

UTRC RESEARCH

A car-optional future must also be accessible. UTRC’s Three Mobility Wishes highlights stakeholder priorities for accessible bus stops, disability representation, connected transit and curb management. Its taxi/FHV insurance research adds another practical consideration: financial resilience for the passenger services filling network gaps.

Explore the work →

IATR sponsored gathering CoMotion on the Ocean, Spring 2026 CoMotion Miami at The Shorely

CoMotion LA | Cities on the Move

A Global Forum for Mobility’s Next Chapter

CoMotion LA returns November 18–19 in Los Angeles, bringing together public officials, transportation operators, innovators and investors to explore the future of mobility.

This year’s theme, “Cities on the Move: Mega-Events, AI & Shaping What’s Next,” offers timely discussions for IATR members on public–private collaboration, emerging technologies and the transportation legacy of major events.

WATCH THE COMOTION LA TRAILER

▶ Watch the CoMotion LA Trailer

Explore the Conference →

Featured IATR Participation | Matthew W. Daus

IATR President to Lead “Ferries and the Future of Urban Water Transit”

Ferries and the Future of Urban Water Transit — CoMotion LA

Matthew W. Daus, IATR President, will lead a discussion with operators and vessel builders on improving passenger ferry service, advancing sustainable fleets and addressing the regulatory, funding and infrastructure hurdles facing urban water transit.

The conversation will examine electrification, hydrogen and hydrofoils, along with how early coordination among public agencies and private partners can support better service.

Wednesday, November 18
11:00–11:35 a.m. PST / 2:00–2:35 p.m. EST
Spotlight Stage

IATR AUDIENCE REGISTRATION BENEFIT

SAVE 20%

Use the IATR registration code

IATR-20

Enter the code when registering for CoMotion LA.

Public-sector readers: CoMotion also offers complimentary access for eligible public-sector leaders through an application process. Review pass options and eligibility .

Top U.S. Highlight | New York City

New York City | Event mobility & transit operations | Official ridership announcement

Marathon Weekend Shows How NYC Scales Transit for Major Events

New York State reports that the MTA subway carried 3.14 million riders on Marathon Sunday, the highest Sunday total in its recorded history. Across the Friday–Sunday weekend, the system carried 11.24 million riders, a post-pandemic weekend record and 8.4% above the comparable weekend a year earlier. The governor’s announcement attributes the response to additional subway service and extra personnel at stations near the finish line and other high-priority viewing locations.

Why it matters to regulators: The operational lesson connects directly to the LA28 interview: service planning, station staffing, crowd management and passenger information must work together. Reported ridership demonstrates demand and system use; it does not by itself establish faster trips, fewer incidents or a permanent service improvement. Agencies planning major events can examine how surge arrangements support accessible transfers and licensed first-/last-mile services.

Source: New York State Governor’s Office
Read more →

Texas | Autonomous passenger services | Reported service expansion

Tesla Adds Fort Worth to Its Texas Robotaxi Footprint

The Austin American-Statesman reports that Tesla has expanded robotaxi service to Fort Worth, adding another North Texas market. The report describes an operating geofence covering downtown and nearby communities. This is a reported service expansion—not evidence that every proposed geofence, vehicle configuration or future market has been separately approved.

Why it matters to regulators: As service areas expand, track operating boundaries, emergency-response coordination, incident reporting, insurance and accessibility. Geographic growth is not a substitute for evidence of safety performance or a finding that all vehicle types meet every applicable requirement.

Source: Austin American-Statesman / Yahoo
Read more →

United States | NEMT technology & care access | Company announcement—not a new mandate

NEMT Portals Put Booking, Tracking and Verification in One Workflow

SafeRide Health announced a Silver award for its care-facility Care Portal and patient-facing MySafeRide tools. The company says the platforms let members, caregivers and care teams schedule, modify, track and verify covered non-emergency medical transportation, drawing on eligibility data. This is recognition of existing technology—not proof of a new product launch, independent certification of outcomes or a change to Medicaid requirements.

Why it matters to regulators: For NEMT procurement and oversight, assess accessible booking, caregiver permissions, eligibility accuracy, trip verification, privacy and non-digital alternatives. Company-reported satisfaction and service metrics should be evaluated separately from independently audited performance.

Source: SafeRide Health / Business Wire
Read more →

California | Transit finance | Ballot proposal—not an approved tax

Bay Area Voters Decide Regional Transit Funding; Outcome Pending

Voters in five Bay Area counties are deciding on the Regional Transit Measure. CBS reports proposed sales-tax increases of 0.5% in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and 1% in San Francisco, with projected revenue of about $1 billion annually for transit. Supporters emphasize service continuity; opponents question additional taxation and agency spending. No result is asserted at this edition’s cutoff.

Why it matters to regulators: Distinguish preliminary returns, certified results and implementing decisions. Funding contingency plans also need clear communication about service continuity and accessible alternatives.

Source: CBS San Francisco
Read more →

Canada | Fleet electrification | Open funding call

Canada Supports Zero-Emission Transit Planning Before Capital Deployment

Canada has opened a Zero Emission Transit Fund call making up to C$15 million available for one or more nonprofit organizations and academic institutions to provide planning and advisory services to municipalities and transit agencies. Applications close January 14, 2027. Supported work includes fleet transitions, utilities, infrastructure, procurement and workforce readiness. This call is not a bus-purchase award.

Why it matters to regulators: Connect vehicle procurement with charging capacity, reliability and workforce preparation. Keep advisory-service eligibility separate from future capital funding.

Source: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Read more →

Ontario | Microtransit & procurement | Company-announced master agreement

Metrolinx Framework Opens a Route to On-Demand Transit Software

Predictiv AI says its Shift Technologies Canada subsidiary has executed a Metrolinx master agreement for on-demand transit software and related services following competitive procurement. Eligible agencies may enter separate purchase agreements. The initial term is one year with four one-year extension options. The announcement does not establish deployments in every municipality or guaranteed revenue.

Why it matters to regulators: A common procurement framework does not replace agency-specific review of accessible booking, data security, interoperability, performance standards and contract exit arrangements.

Source: Predictiv AI / ACCESS Newswire, carried by Morningstar
Read more →

Alberta | Bus rapid transit | Options for council consideration

Calgary Weighs Four Rapid-Bus Expansion Options

CTV reports that Calgary council is to hear four options for expanding MAX Green rapid-bus service, with estimated costs from C$511 million to C$2.1 billion. These are options entering council consideration—not an approved project budget, funding agreement or construction authorization.

Why it matters to regulators: Compare service reach, accessibility, operating costs and network integration, not capital costs alone. Confirm any preferred option and funding decision in subsequent council records.

Source: CTV News Calgary
Read more →

Spain | Taxi & private-hire regulation | Draft regulation—consultation

Asturias Opens Consultation on Taxi and Interurban VTC Rules

Asturias has opened a one-month public-comment period on its first regional regulation establishing a common taxi framework and specific rules for strictly interurban chauffeur-driven vehicle services, known as VTCs. Europa Press reports that technical review, an advisory opinion and government approval must follow. The draft responds to digital booking and market changes.

Why it matters to regulators: Define the boundary between regional interurban authority and other licensing powers. Consultation can test service availability and operator obligations before draft provisions become binding.

Source: Europa Press, citing the Asturias government
Read more →

Portugal | Taxi accreditation & curb access | Reported operational implementation

Lisbon Adds Database-Linked Taxi-Rank Access Controls

Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport taxi rank has introduced barrier controls that admit accredited vehicles listed in an authorization database, The Portugal News reports. Accreditation remains open, with weekly submissions taking effect the following Tuesday. The controls support an existing fixed-fare arrangement; they are not a new citywide taxi licence.

Why it matters to regulators: Physical access systems need accurate records, clear onboarding and denied-entry review. Fare guidance should distinguish fixed-price destinations from metered journeys.

Source: The Portugal News, citing Executive Digest and taxi associations
Read more →

Portugal | Public transport fares | Reported regulatory reference rate

Portugal Sets a Fare-Adjustment Ceiling, Not an Automatic Increase

The Portugal News reports that the Mobility and Transport Authority has set a 2.66% maximum reference rate for covered regular public-transport fare adjustments next year. The ceiling does not require every operator to raise ticket or pass prices. Actual tariffs depend on decisions by the responsible authorities and operators.

Why it matters to regulators: Communicate the distinction between an allowable maximum and an adopted fare. Use the final applicable tariff in passenger notices and budget assumptions.

Source: The Portugal News, citing Jornal de Negócios and AMT
Read more →

Philippines | Platform oversight | Penalty under reconsideration—not final

Philippine Motorcycle-Taxi Cap Dispute Puts Counting Rules Under Review

Move It has asked the LTFRB to reconsider a reported P555.75 million penalty for exceeding its authorized rider allocation. BusinessMirror reports that the platform disputes how riders are counted and argues for a measure based on live online supply. The regulator says the decision is not final while reconsideration is pending.

Why it matters to regulators: Caps need precise definitions: registered accounts, active riders and simultaneously online supply are different measures. Enforcement also requires auditable records, review rights and a clear approach to affected drivers.

Source: BusinessMirror; LTFRB and company statements
Read more →

New South Wales, Australia | Regulatory data | Published data watch—not a new rule

NSW Statistics Offer a Point-to-Point Oversight Benchmark

The NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner lists September reporting for authorized providers, taxi licences and notifiable occurrences, alongside compliance and penalty-notice series. These are monitoring resources, not evidence of a new requirement. Read the original reporting periods and tables before drawing trend comparisons.

Why it matters to regulators: Separate market size, incidents, inspections, penalties and prohibitions. Publishing data does not alone establish a change in safety outcomes or enforcement intensity.

Source: NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner
Read more →

Singapore | Network integration & event mobility | Official operational notices

Singapore Coordinates Hub Changes and Event Operations

LTA lists the return of bus services 80, 86, 87, 372 and 374 to Sengkang Integrated Transport Hub, alongside temporary changes for the Singapore Criterium and extended operating hours for Deepavali eve. These are specific service notices—not a new national mobility regulation.

Why it matters to regulators: Coordinate route information, passenger wayfinding and operator instructions. Explain which changes are temporary and which become part of the regular network.

Source: Singapore Land Transport Authority
Read more →

A Message From the IATR President

At the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR), our regulators are at the forefront of addressing both the challenges and opportunities facing the mobility paradigm. Our IATR members, partner organizations, and regulated industries will continue on our shared quest to fulfill the mission of our non-profit educational organization: to bring about Multi-Modal Mobility Innovation for All!

This mission can best be accomplished through information sharing, collaboration, identifying and promoting best practices, and educating our membership. These educational updates and electronic media clips are affectionately known as “IATR snips” and endeavor to cover all aspects of mobility around the globe, especially news and developments involving safety, technology innovation, multi-modal integration, automation, sustainability, electrification, accessibility, regulatory modernization, and equity.

If you would like more information about the IATR, please visit IATR.Global . Current members can renew their memberships by logging in through the IATR portal at the top right-hand side of the website. If you forgot your membership password, please email info@iatr.global.

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